Is there a difference between "otaku" and "weeaboo"
There has been lots of speculation on the whether they are the same thing or not.

In my opinion, I think they are the same thing. Even though Otaku is more known as just an anime lover and weebs are anime lovers who are annoying and try to be anime character, I feel they are the same. Otaku isn't a good thing in Japan, an Otaku in Japan is the same thing as a 40 year old grown man watching anime/playing video games in his moms basement with no job. I like to stay true to the "Otaku" word and just say I'm an anime nerd. Not only just that but on the internet I have found that a lot of self proclaimed "Otakus" are in reality just a bunch of 10 year old weebs.

Otaku isn't just anime lover. It can range from staying in to read books and play games etc.

The reason why otaku people in japan are somewhat frowned upon is because it's seen as something more than just loving anime, for instance. It is believed that otaku people lack social skills, so can't actually go out into the world and hang out with people because they don't have the skills to do so. This is why they indulge themselves in games or anime.

When it comes to weaboos, in my eyes they're completely different. Weaboos are people who love anime so much they somewhat begin to think they know everything about japan, or think they are japanese (even if they are not), or they begin to actually act like an anime character. Sure, they come across as annoying to many people but what makes them different to otaku people is; otakus lack the social skills, weaboos can be very social but in their case they begin to act like a kawaii anime girl, for example, whereas otaku people act normally despite staying in and watching a lot of anime or something.

I dunno if i explained that correctly but this is how I see things. I do think there is a huge difference between them, but at the end of the day it's all just a label given to certain type of people. It doesn't bother me.

Yep.
Otaku is a person who does enjoy anime, but doesn't over react when someone mentions it, they do cosplay, but not everyday.
Weaboos on the other hand, are crazy when someone mentions anime, whether they say a good thing or not, and they cosplay everyday, and speak fluent "kawai" or "baka". They think the're moe and such..... kinda scares me.
I love anime just as much as both do, but I don't overdo it.
Ummm... the person above described it better....

My understanding of the term "weeaboo" is that it refers to a person who unthinkingly advocates for anything as long as it's Japanese, and who dons a persona fitting their image of what Japan is like without any regard to whether they're being culturally accurate or not. Meanwhile, an "otaku" is either someone with a hobby which has consumed them and significantly damaged their social life (Japan) or someone who passionately enjoys anime/manga (US/Western Europe).

Assuming I have my definitions correct these are distinct (but possibly related) concepts. A weeaboo is in all likelihood also an otaku, but an otaku is not necessarily a weeaboo.

My understanding of the term "weeaboo" is that it refers to a person who unthinkingly advocates for anything as long as it's Japanese, and who dons a persona fitting their image of what Japan is like without any regard to whether they're being culturally accurate or not. Meanwhile, an "otaku" is either someone with a hobby which has consumed them and significantly damaged their social life (Japan) or someone who passionately enjoys anime/manga (US/Western Europe).

Assuming I have my definitions correct these are distinct (but possibly related) concepts. A weeaboo is in all likelihood also an otaku, but an otaku is not necessarily a weeaboo.

My understanding of the term "weeaboo" is that it refers to a person who unthinkingly advocates for anything as long as it's Japanese, and who dons a persona fitting their image of what Japan is like without any regard to whether they're being culturally accurate or not. Meanwhile, an "otaku" is either someone with a hobby which has consumed them and significantly damaged their social life (Japan) or someone who passionately enjoys anime/manga (US/Western Europe).

Assuming I have my definitions correct these are distinct (but possibly related) concepts. A weeaboo is in all likelihood also an otaku, but an otaku is not necessarily a weeaboo.

My understanding of the term "weeaboo" is that it refers to a person who unthinkingly advocates for anything as long as it's Japanese, and who dons a persona fitting their image of what Japan is like without any regard to whether they're being culturally accurate or not. Meanwhile, an "otaku" is either someone with a hobby which has consumed them and significantly damaged their social life (Japan) or someone who passionately enjoys anime/manga (US/Western Europe).

Assuming I have my definitions correct these are distinct (but possibly related) concepts. A weeaboo is in all likelihood also an otaku, but an otaku is not necessarily a weeaboo.

This is pretty much my understanding of it.

I wouldn't call myself either - I really love anime and I really want to visit Japan but I don't think my social skills have been damaged because of anime nor does my interest in Japan rely on my own delusions, I am genuinely interested in the country... plus its Japan, so all the girls are super moe and I'll get my very own harem, right? Right?! xD

for instance. It is believed that otaku people lack social skills, so can't actually go out into the world and hang out with people because they don't have the skills to do so. This is why they indulge themselves in games or anime.

My understanding of the term "weeaboo" is that it refers to a person who unthinkingly advocates for anything as long as it's Japanese, and who dons a persona fitting their image of what Japan is like without any regard to whether they're being culturally accurate or not. Meanwhile, an "otaku" is either someone with a hobby which has consumed them and significantly damaged their social life (Japan) or someone who passionately enjoys anime/manga (US/Western Europe).

Assuming I have my definitions correct these are distinct (but possibly related) concepts. A weeaboo is in all likelihood also an otaku, but an otaku is not necessarily a weeaboo.

My understanding of the term "weeaboo" is that it refers to a person who unthinkingly advocates for anything as long as it's Japanese, and who dons a persona fitting their image of what Japan is like without any regard to whether they're being culturally accurate or not. Meanwhile, an "otaku" is either someone with a hobby which has consumed them and significantly damaged their social life (Japan) or someone who passionately enjoys anime/manga (US/Western Europe).

Assuming I have my definitions correct these are distinct (but possibly related) concepts. A weeaboo is in all likelihood also an otaku, but an otaku is not necessarily a weeaboo.

The square is a rectangle but the rectangle...... is not a square!!! Eureka!